The public can now have their say on ambitious plans for the major regeneration of Worcester's Shrub Hill Quarter.
A six-week public consultation has been launched into a draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), which sets out proposals for the revamp of the 14-hectare site, including more than 500 new homes, new public spaces, and the capacity for the creation of up to 5,000 new jobs.
People can read the SPD and give their views on it at www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit, or come along to the Guildhall from Monday 5 – Saturday 10 February to see an exhibition of the proposals in the document.
Councillor Robyn Norfolk, Chair of the City Council's Place and Economic Development Committee, said: "The vision set out in the Supplementary Planning Document is for a dramatic regeneration of the Shrub Hill Quarter, one that will shape it into an appealing location to live, work and relax.
"The SPD focuses on the type of place Shrub Hill can and should be. It is essential that local residents, businesses and other stakeholders have their say, to help us to ensure we get this important document right, so I would encourage them to go to www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit or to visit the Guildhall exhibition."
Next week's Guildhall exhibition will include displays of the proposals and the opportunity for people to take part in the consultation. It will be open 9.30am-4pm, Monday 5 – Saturday 10 February.
The City Council is working in partnership with Worcestershire County Council on the plans.
The Shrub Hill Quarter lies to the west of the railway line, extending across the canal, and is bordered by Tallow Hill, George Street, Pheasant Street and Tolladine Road. It includes the existing Shrub Hill Industrial Estate, the historic Engine Works building and the railway station. It does not include the site of the neighbouring Sheriff's Gate development.
The railway station and the Engine Works are among several listed buildings on the site, all of which would be preserved under the proposals set out in the draft SPD.
The document sets out clear expectations for developers who want to purchase land in the Shrub Hill Quarter or submit a planning application for the area. It clarifies where built development is expected to take place and, importantly, where no development is likely to be allowed.
The SPD also provides a coherent and integrated approach to the whole site, to assist in attract future funding applications to support public infrastructure.
Anyone who is not able to complete the survey online can collect a printed copy from the Guildhall, or call 01905 722233 to request one.
The consultation is open until 17 March 2024.
Take part in the Shrub Hill Supplementary Planning Document consultation.
An artist's impression showing an aerial view of what the regenerated Shrub Hill Quarter could look like
